Sabaton (Musical group)

Sabaton is a Swedish power metal band — they’re into war. Like, really into war. I’m not sure where they got this war-lust from considering that Sweden stayed ‘neutral’ in World War 2. I toss it in quotes because they still sold thousands of tons of iron to the Nazis. Yes, I haven’t forgotten that Sweden. On the other hand they harbored nearly all of Denmark’s Jews. So it’s a mixed bag.

Sabaton are good, but if you aren’t into war [as I am not] their catalog can be a bit exhausting and demoralizing with its endless glorification. That being said, they have some fantastic tunes, and lead singer Joakim Brodén has two affectations that I find delightful.

The first is this Thor-style chest piece that he wears.

The second is that he rolls his Rs. I used to think it was an accent thing [though none of my other Swedish bands roll their Rs until I found this interview:

David: You have a rather special accent when you sing, with rolling r’s, how come?

Joakim: Well, I want the lyrics to be recognizable. It’s easier to catch the message if I use a distinct pronouncing. But also I want people to hear that we are not from an English speaking country. So that’s why the r’s come out kind of Scottish and I guess I sound German sometimes.